Modern vehicles rely on a variety of sensors and actuators to monitor operating conditions and control vehicle functions. in Automotive sensors and actuators: principles, systems, and electronics, Davide Scullino provides a detailed overview of the electronic components used in modern automotive systems, with an emphasis on practical understanding.

This book begins with the electrical and electronic fundamentals needed to operate automotive systems. Introduces basic concepts, terminology, and component behavior to establish a solid technical foundation before proceeding to complete vehicle applications.

From basics to vehicle systems

Early chapters cover electrical engineering principles, electromagnetic phenomena, motors, and automotive-grade electronic components. Passive and active components, integrated circuits, protection devices, and interface electronics are discussed in relation to their practical use in vehicles.

Building on this foundation, this paper considers the sensors and actuators within each system. Sensor characteristics, signal conditioning, ADCs, PWM and frequency-based outputs, and interface adaptations are discussed to demonstrate how physical signals are transformed into usable electronic data.

Sensors and actuators throughout the vehicle

A large part of this book is dedicated to the sensors and actuators that appear throughout the vehicle. Engine-related sensors such as air mass, pressure, temperature, speed, position, and emissions sensors are discussed alongside actuators such as throttle bodies, injectors, turbo actuators, EGR systems, ignition components, and pumps.

Additional chapters cover transmission sensors for manual and automatic systems, steering and suspension sensors for conventional and active systems, and body electronic sensors used for comfort, climate control, access, and monitoring. Transmission, brake, steering, suspension, and body system actuators are also covered.

As part of a coordinated vehicle electronic system, sensors in safety and ADAS systems are also covered, including sensor technologies used for driver assistance and autonomous driving, such as radar, cameras, LIDAR, accelerometers and gyroscopes.

Communication and practical discernment

Introduce automotive communication links such as LIN and SENT to explain how sensors and actuators exchange data within a vehicle network. The book also includes guidance on identifying and coding electronic components and packaging commonly used in automotive applications.

Each component is described in terms of its structure, principle of operation, and associated electronic circuitry. This systems-oriented approach makes this book a useful reference for understanding, testing, and troubleshooting automotive electronic systems.

Automotive sensors and actuators: principles, systems, and electronics is aimed at engineers, technicians, and advanced students who want a clear and structured understanding of automotive electronics as used in real vehicles.